OTTB, Multiple Sclerosis - Move Is Over, But It Took Its Toll

When I got to Gunpowder Stables this morning Bouffe was in his stall and greeted me at the door. It seemed like he knew something was up, and paced back and forth anxiously awaiting for it to happen. Grooming him seemed to settle things down and he stood completely still while I put his shipping bandages on him. 

As he and I walked up the lane to get on Steve Pelham's gooseneck trailer, Bouffe held his head high and remained calm as we walked onto the trailer. Time like these are when his class really shows.

I have never mentioned Bouffe's bloodlines, but he is by Kentucky Derby winner Lil' E. Tee and is out of Affirmed Gal by Affirmed, Bouffe has that classic blood on both sides.

Steve said Bouffe was much calmer than the last time, on the ride to Four Quarters Farm and remained that way when we put him in his own private paddock with a run in shed, which sits right outside the main barn and looks out on the rolling hills and woods of the property. Bouffe had that look of eagles, as he stood in the middle of the paddock, overlooking his domain.

I am hoping this is the last time I will have to move Bouffe. A restless night, in combination with the early morning move, took its toll on my body and I was exhausted and not able to ride by the time it was over. But it was worth it; fore, I have Bouffe in ideal surroundings, with people I know will take care of him, when I am not there. 

OTTB - Getting Ready For The Move

Well, tomorrow's the big day, when I move Bouffe to Four Quarters Farm. The farm I hope will be our permanent home. I need a stable that is stable and not one where each day is something different. 

Because of taking hippotherapy there, I have seen that Leslie Bosely runs an excellent operation, where everything has its time and place, which is the type of environment I enjoy working in. Plus, all of the facilities are very handicapped accessible, which will make my time there much more enjoyable.

The van is picking up Bouffe at 8 am and I hope to be able to ride him when we get to Four Quarters. More updates tomorrow.

Comments

I would appreciate any and all comments from the readers of this blog. I would like to know what you think of my post and any experience you may have or had while riding with a disability.

Multiple Sclerosis - Feeling Better But Weather Is Hot

My legs are feeling better today but the weather is not cooperating. I didn't want to go another day without at least seeing Bouffe; so, with temperatures already in the eighties at eight o'clock I drove to Kingsville. 

Bouffe was in his stall and again stood completely still while I groomed him. As I brushed his coat I told him, it would only be a few more days, until he's got a twenty acre field, with a big run in shed, woods, and more grass, than from what I've seen of his living accommodations so far, he has ever seen. He stands so still with his kind eye focused on me the entire time; I really think he understands.

When I left, I drove to The Mill, and in preparation for the move, bought a turnout halter and some more joint supplement for Bouffe. I am anxiously awaiting the indoor ring and surroundings where I am physically able to get around without a lot of effort.

re: Last Week's Post

I have skipped over my recovery process, or lack there of, from last week's post. The three days rest I hope I was going to get never happened. For we spent a good amount of the time we were away walking and sitting at a wedding reception for several hours. Of course both of these activities took place outdoors in eighty degree heat, not good for my MS. I have not recovered from this or the activities of the week before, and still wanted to ride today, but my legs are not cooperating.

As I said yesterday, I planned on riding Bouffe today, but as soon as my feet hit the floor this morning I knew that wasn't going to happen. Even though I slept good last night my legs hurt and were weak. After living with MS for this long, all I can say is, maybe tomorrow. 

Multiple Sclerosis - Too Hot

We went away for the weekend and ended up missing all the good riding weather. As any of you with MS know, with temperatures in the upper eighties this morning and over ninety degrees now, it is just too hot to ride without an indoor ring, something I will have starting next week. The move is all set up for Monday and I am looking forward to boarding Bouffe at Four Quarters Farm.

The weather forecast is the same for tomorrow. I am hoping to get an early start and ride before the temperature rises out of the seventies.

Since I didn't ride today, I swam my ten laps to keep the level of fitness I have. 

Multiple Sclerosis - Still Too Sore To Ride

I had another pain filled evening, but I did find something to stop the muscle spasms - water. Even though I did nothing yesterday I was dehydrated, which made the MS symptoms flair at 9 PM last night. After two hours of taking my meds and trying to sleep I drank  some water, and was surprised that I needed the entire pint to quench my thirst. 

But even after what I consider a decent night of sleep, my legs were still weak, and very sore. After debating in my mind for several hours about what I should do, I went to the farm. Bouffe was again in his stall. When I groomed him, I was pleased to see his coat shine, but just that little effort on my part took its toll; I was feeling weak. My left leg didn't have enough strength to lift me over the saddle, much less ride.

While I had the Smith Worthington Saddle on Bouffe, I double checked that it fit him properly, which it did. Bouffe seemed to be very content with the full rack of alfalfa hay the barn help put in his stall and I came home.

Barbara and I are going away for the weekend, so I won't be going to the farm again until Monday or Tuesday. I am hoping the three days rest will allow me to start back riding Bouffe again.